This week’s episode of Dance Moms brought the usual dose of mom drama and a sprinkle of dance, keeping us hooked even if we craved more stage time. For fans of Mackenzie Ziegler, there were definitely moments to cheer for despite the swirling conflicts. Let’s break down the AWESOME and AWKWARD highlights from this episode, focusing on Mackenzie’s journey.
AWESOME: Pyramid Power and Mackenzie’s Chance to Shine
Pyramid time kicked off the episode with a pleasant surprise! Chloe landed at the top, a well-deserved acknowledgment from Abby. The excitement didn’t stop there – solos were announced for Chloe, Asia, Maddie, and Kendall! While Mackenzie wasn’t initially slated for a solo this week, her presence was definitely felt as the episode unfolded. The anticipation for these solos, though we had to wait until next week to see them, was definitely building.
Mom Kristie decides to suck up to Abby. Because that’s definitely the best way to make everyone else hate you.
AWKWARD: “The View” Viewpoint and Mom Meltdown
The drama escalated quickly with Abby’s announcement about Asia filling in for Mackenzie on “The View.” This sparked immediate outrage from Mom Melissa, highlighting the intense competition and opportunities the moms were vying for their daughters. Abby, in her typical fashion, fueled the fire by suggesting Mackenzie should instruct her mom to fight for her spot. It’s uncomfortable to watch these young dancers caught in the crossfire of adult ambitions. Mom Kelly, somehow, also gets entangled in the argument, proving that drama is always on the menu with this group. It’s clear Abby is strategically prolonging this NYC trip storyline, milking the mom’s reactions for maximum effect.
AWESOME: Mackenzie’s Triumph and Asia’s Grace
Despite the initial setback regarding “The View,” the episode delivered a win for Mackenzie! She secured her performance spot, and her genuine joy was infectious. Even better, Asia handled the situation with remarkable maturity, showcasing a positive attitude even in the face of not getting the part. The group performance itself was a success, with Abby surprisingly offering praise instead of her usual critiques. This positive outcome for Mackenzie and the team was a refreshing change of pace.
“As soon as I did my cartwheel over the seat, I was like, ‘I’m back.’ ” —Mackenzie
AWKWARD: Cathy’s Chaotic Casting Call
Switching gears to Cathy and the Candy Apples, the awkwardness meter shot up during auditions for a new dancer. Cathy’s judging methods were cringeworthy, from dismissing a dancer simply because of her name to body-shaming a young boy with incredible talent. Her unprofessional behavior as a teacher was on full display. Adding to the absurdity, Vivi was present as a judge, offering minimal input and seeming just as uncomfortable as the viewers.
AWESOME: Victoria’s Arrival and Anthony’s Choreography
Amidst Cathy’s chaos, a bright spot emerged: Victoria. This dancer from Larkin Dance Studio impressed, and the sneak peek of Anthony Burrell’s choreography featuring her looked promising. Victoria’s talent offers a potential shake-up in the Candy Apples dynamic, and it will be interesting to see how she develops within the team.
AWKWARD: Cheesecake and Childish Probing
The awkwardness continued with a bizarre cheesecake scene between Cathy and Vivi. Vivi’s innocent food confession was followed by Cathy’s intrusive questions about Victoria and her attempts to push a fabricated romance between Vivi and Jalen. Again, Vivi’s subdued reactions highlighted the strange dynamic and Cathy’s over-the-top personality.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Mom Cathy: “This is hard work auditioning people.”
Vivi: “I’m hungry.”
The episode leaves us hanging, waiting for the promised solo performances next week. What were your thoughts on this week’s drama and Mackenzie’s moments? Let us know in the comments!
